Plasma thrombin time measurement is used to assess blood clotting disorders such as diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC), liver disease, and to monitor patients receiving fibrinolytic therapy.
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During the hemostatic process, the endogenous and exogenous coagulation pathway lead to activation of coagulation factor X. This results in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Thrombin then stimulates fibrin formation by fibrinogen. This fibrin by the addition of the fibrin stabilizing agent forms a stable fibrin clot at the site of injury. Thrombin time (TT) measures the time it takes for a blood sample to form a blood clot when thrombin is added to the sample. Thrombin time is longer than normal when there are abnormalities in the conversion of fibrinogen to fibrin.
Possible Interpretations of Pathological Values
- Increase: Acute leukemia, aninodogenemia, amyloidosis, cirrhosis, diffuse intravascular coagulation (DIC), dysintiaogenemia, epistaxis, lack of coagulation factors, fibrinopenia, lymphoma, obstetric complications, varicose veins, varicella Medications: Asparaginase, fibrin degradation products, heparin, streptokinase, tissue plasminogen activator (TFA), urokinase
- Decrease: Thrombocytosis
Important Note
Laboratory test results are the most important parameter for the diagnosis and monitoring of all pathological conditions. 70%-80% of diagnostic decisions are based on laboratory tests. Correct interpretation of laboratory results allows a doctor to distinguish "healthy" from "diseased".
Laboratory test results should not be interpreted from the numerical result of a single analysis. Test results should be interpreted in relation to each individual case and family history, clinical findings and the results of other laboratory tests and information. Your personal physician should explain the importance of your test results.
At Diagnostiki Athinon we answer any questions you may have about the test you perform in our laboratory and we contact your doctor to get the best possible medical care.
